Things You Should Know About YouTube, Vimeo, Vine, and Instagram

Many people are making use of key online video platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, and Vine to market their businesses to large, global audiences. However, popularity can be a double-edged sword. Many more people are unable to break through the incredible volume of videos on these platforms. Success, as always, is elusive and getting high rankings on these sites, while beneficial to your business, depends on understanding the nuanced differences among them. So, let’s take a closer look at each of these platforms.

YouTube

YouTube is definitely the biggest fish in the pond. Users are primarily interested in entertainment. You can inform in an entertaining way, but it does not work well for content that focuses on selling products. Nor is it ideal for website links. Everything YouTube does revolves around YouTube as a video platform and does not in any way connect to other pages.

Upload videos that focus on what you intend to market and not anything out of topic. Demonstration videos are perfect for YouTube. Other things to keep in mind:

Videos can be uploaded free of charge.

Use keywords in the captions describing your videos. It is a great way of enhancing online visibility.

Post crystal clear videos. Do not compromise on quality on YouTube.

Ensure that you interact with your audience by posting something that can draw their attention. You can even give them room for opinions.

Include a call-to-action after describing the product in your videos.

Pitfalls Of YouTube:

The site is characterized by intense competition for users' attention.

Vimeo

Vimeo is quite a bit smaller than YouTube. However, a niche audience can be an advantage. Here are a few pointers on how to make the best out of Vimeo:

Customize the presentation

You can alter the player colors to match your brand and you can prohibit other ads on your video.

Better interaction with your audience

Creating an open forum where viewers can comment is a great incentive for them to return.

Strong focus on maintaining your integrity

Vimeo is a perfect tool since it will help you boost your image and integrity as well.

Greater acceptance of brand focus

You have the freedom to give your videos more than an entertainment touch.

Highest quality

The site caters to users seeking quality content, so if this describes your market niche, Vimeo's audience will reward that.

Users have the freedom to choose the thumbnails.

Disadvantages of Vimeo:

It is not a perfect tool for SEO, since it features a smaller community.

Some charges will be required for best promotion of products.

It can take longer to upload videos, especially with just a free account.

Vine

This video sharing platform is a mobile application. Vine allows both the audience and users to interact in the most convenient way. They do so by exchanging ideas with regard to video content. Vine is not yet crowded, since it's recent, but likely increasing in popularity.

So, how do you make the best out of Vine?

Always focus on reaching out to the community. Vine is a community platform hence your video must revolve around that.

Vine encourages a lot of creativity therefore you are bound to come across some interesting things.

Vine is embeddable.

Disadvantages of Vine:

Vine does not support long content.

Vine does not restrict nudity.

Instagram

If you’re looking for traditional yet technology-friendly marketing strategy, Instagram may be ideal for you. The platform allows you to advertise your brand by way of photographs as well.

Here are tips on how to use Instagram:

Have a credible profile. It is highly recommended that you present a complete profile to your audience.

Link up with other social media sites for wide coverage and interaction. Also try to interact with people who are interested in what you have to offer.

Instagram has a very human touch. They should not feel as if they are being handled by a machine or software.

Do not forget to use hash tags in your content. This makes it easy to encounter your content using Instagram.

It is possible to edit video clips in Instagram. You can also make videos stable for clear viewing and visibility.

The platform is part of Facebook, so high connectivity is a guarantee.

Users are provided with up to 15 seconds of a single video.

You can select your personal thumbnail.

Disadvantages of Instagram:

Users are not provided with a looping option. This is a drawback since looping a valuable tool in video marketing.